
Rugby
Share
Published 19:08 4 May 2024 BST
Updated 07:42 5 May 2024 BST

Jamison Gibson-Park has put in an 'outrageous' performance in Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton, proving why he's widely considered the best nine in the world at the moment.
Leinster faced off against the Gallagher Premiership leaders at Croke Park in front of an 82,000 sell-out crowd, holding off a stunning comeback to win 20-17.
Whilst James Lowe will grab a lot of the headlines for his hat-trick of tries, many fans couldn't get over Gibson-Park's performance, and he was duly awarded the Player of the Match award.
In particular, it was the number nine's two moments of genius in the first half that had people raving.
First, the Leinster man took a penalty quickly five metres out before floating a glorious pass to Lowe, who walked in the opening try.
Then, just five minutes later, he demonstrated a moment of brilliant improvisation. When Caelan Dorris tried to power his way over the line, the ball was flicked into the air. Without a moment's hesitation, Gibson-Park patted the ball like a volleyball player straight to Lowe, allowing the winger to get his and Leinster's second try.
People were full of praise for the scrum-half on social media for his "outrageous" skill.
One person wrote: "Jamison Gibson-Park plays rugby like a 6 year old does in their imagination. Outrageous stuff."
Rúaidhrí O'Connor, the Irish Independent's chief rugby correspondent, said: "Jamison Gibson-Park is on another level here."
Someone else compared him to a man who might have a word or two to say about who the best nine in the world is...
"Gibson-Park is such a class act. Brilliant final passes for both tries," another wrote.
Leinster had led 20-3 halfway through the second half, but a stirring fightback from Northampton got them to within three points with five minutes left.
But Leinster managed to hold off the East Midlands side and continue their quest for a fifth European crown.
The province will now take on either Toulouse or Harlequins in the final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 25.
Explore more on these topics:
All Blacks legend accuses Irish star of sneaky cheating during defeat
He has a point… There was a lot of anger from Irish fans following the the rugby team’s defeat to New Zealand last weekend. The officials got two big calls wrong, which could have had a big bearing on the outcome, despite the availability of video replays. However, New Zealand media have hit back through […]
Rugby
6 days ago
Salty All Blacks legend slams ‘whingy’ Ireland in bizarre tirade
Poor winners… It was widely agreed that Ireland put in a sub-par performance in their loss to the All Blacks last weekend, in a showing that was littered with unforced errors. It was also acknowledged by most level-headed watchers that a couple of big decisions were called wrong by the TMO/referee, despite video replay and […]
Rugby
6 days ago
Rugby
Ireland player ratings after a dour win over Japan
Rugby